Leaf Burning
Some Important Facts about Leaf Burning
It wasn’t that many years ago when leaf burning was considered an appropriate way to get rid of all those leaves that clutter our yards every fall. Raking leaves into piles and then burning them was an annual fall ritual in towns across America. But today most cities and towns have made leaf burning illegal. That’s because of the air pollution along with the health and safety problems that can come from the burning of leaves.
Leaf burning produces minute particles, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide which can all lead to various kinds of respiratory problems. Leaves rarely are completely dry as they would need to be to burn efficiently. Instead, leaves are damp. The wetness causes them to burn slower and means they release more particles into the air. These can be a combination of dust and soot and small particles that can’t be seen individually with the naked eye, but rise into the air with the smoke from the fire. They can cause respiratory infections and lower the ability of our lungs to use the air we breathe. They can also trigger asthma attacks in people who have this disease.
Because leaves have no air circulation underneath and around them, they don’t burn quickly or efficiently. They produce hydrocarbons, sometimes in high levels. Hydrocarbons can irritate the lungs, throat, eyes and nose. The most dangerous hydrocarbons are carcinogens, which can cause cancer, and these are the kind most prevalent in smoke from leaf burning.
Another component of the smoke from burning leaves is carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide attaches itself to our red blood cells and decreases the amount of oxygen our cells take in and send to bodily organs and tissues. It can make people very sick and cause chronic lung problems. Babies, the elderly, and anyone who has experienced lung problems can become critically ill if they inhale carbon monoxide.
Leaf burning can cause air pollution. While you might not think that your little fire can do much to cause pollution, if you combine your fire with that of all of the other people in your entire geographic area who are burning leaves, it can be significant enough to raise the pollution level above federal standards. You also have to realize that this pollution from fires is already combining with the normal pollutants which are released daily by all types of factories and chemical plants, along with what is coming out of automobile exhaust systems.
So, if leaf burning is no longer a good option, what are you supposed to do with all those leaves? The best answer is composting. Some cities will even have special days where they pick up leaves curbside and then take or sell them to composting centers. Leaves make great compost for your own flower and garden plants as well. If you don’t want to wait for your leaves to break down into compost, shredding them with your lawnmower or shredder is another option. You can use them to mulch existing plants or you can leave them right there on the lawn. They will keep the soil moist and prevent weeds from growing.